The Griffins clamped down defensively and beat the Aeros at their own game, avenging an earlier shutout. While the team played well in front of him, one of the big stories on the night was the strong play of netminder Thomas McCollum. Making his first appearance in over two weeks, mcCollum shook off the rust to make 28 saves for his second whitewash of the season. Riley Sheahan (14) scored the game winner early in the first and captain Jeff Hoggan added an empty netter with 6 seconds remaining.

Nice play by Jurco to center the puck through traffic. Sheahan picked it up and looked like he was going to go wide and then shoveled a quick shot past Kuemper on the opposite side. Houston doing a good job of leaving three players back to stifle any offense by Grand Rapids. Shots on Goal: GR 8 - Hou 4.

Great chance in front by Ferraro but he couldn't get good wood on it. Grant and Granthum came to blows near the side boards with the Griffins enforcer getting the worst of it. Pare set up Evans for the one-timer in the slot, but the gritty blueliner broke his stick. Shots on Goal: GR 8 - Hou 12.

The Griffins were playing patient and disciplined for most of the game, a new tactic to combat the Aeros stifling defense. Late in the period the Griffins had two giveaways in their own zone and Evans made a great play to take away a scoring chance and get the puck out of danger. The Aeros called a timeout with 1:48 left in the game, actually a good break for Grand Rapids who could use a breather after not being able to clear the zone. Kuemper stays on the bench for the extra skater, but a faceoff outside the zone brings him back. He eventually gets off again and Hoggan makes a great play to get it out of zone, take it up ice and score into the empty net for a 2-0 victory. Shots on Goal: GR 9 - Hou 12. For the Game: GR 25 - Hou 28.

McCollum made several big stops early and really was on top of his game keeping Houston off the board.

Riley Sheahan just keeps scoring and really looks confident. He has a quick release, but is almost impossible to stop when he goes to the net, something he is doing more and more.

Trevor Parkes was noticeable throwing his body around and providing a physical presence for the Griffins. His numbers may not reflect it, but he is effective when he plays and may be due for a Callahan level breakout.

Raedeke took a couple of penalties, a no-no for a fourth line player as he was in the box by himself. With Aubry due back for the next game, Raedeke may be going back to the pressbox.